Quick Read
- Patrick Roy received a standing ovation from Colorado fans during his return as Islanders coach.
- Roy led the Avalanche to two Stanley Cups and was honored with a special highlight package.
- Avalanche defeated the Islanders 4-1, becoming the first NHL team to reach 30 points this season.
- Scott Wedgewood made 28 saves, earning praise from Roy for his performance.
- Roy called the Islanders’ effort their best game of the road trip, despite the loss.
Patrick Roy Returns to Colorado: An Emotional Night at Ball Arena
It isn’t every day that an NHL legend returns to the city where he etched his name in hockey history. On November 16, 2025, Patrick Roy, now head coach of the New York Islanders, stepped behind the visitor’s bench in Denver and was greeted by the kind of ovation reserved for sports royalty. The Colorado Avalanche faithful rose as one, honoring the man who had led their team to two Stanley Cups and countless unforgettable moments.
As nearly seven minutes ticked off the clock in the first period, the Avalanche paused the game for a special anniversary highlight reel dedicated to Roy’s greatest moments in a Colorado sweater. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming. The standing ovation lasted long after the final clip faded, a living testament to Roy’s enduring connection with the city and its hockey community (Sportskeeda).
Roy, visibly moved, later told reporters, “It means a lot to me because I had a great time here. I played eight years, and we had a great run. Six Conference Finals, two Stanley Cups. It’s nice to see the people react that way.” The emotion in his voice echoed the sentiment felt throughout Ball Arena—a shared pride in a legacy built on grit, skill, and unforgettable victories.
Avalanche Victory and Wedgewood’s Rise
The night wasn’t just about nostalgia. On the ice, the Avalanche continued their remarkable start to the 2025-26 season, defeating the Islanders 4-1 and becoming the first team to reach 30 points this year (13-1-5). While the Islanders came into Denver riding a four-game unbeaten streak on their road trip, it was Colorado’s goaltender, Scott Wedgewood, who stole the show with a performance that left even Roy impressed (Denver Post).
Wedgewood’s journey has been anything but conventional. At 33, he’s finally getting a starter’s workload after years of bouncing between teams and backup roles. “There’s not a lot in my game that they teach anymore,” Wedgewood said. “Just find a way to stop the puck. I’m going to give it everything I have.” On Sunday, he did just that, turning away 28 shots and outdueling Ilya Sorokin—one of the NHL’s best.
“I thought we played really well, and their goaltender was the story of the game,” Roy admitted postgame. “He made some really good saves, especially on our power play.” The Islanders created plenty of chances, but Wedgewood’s athletic, sometimes unorthodox style kept the puck out and the Avalanche rolling. His performance underscored the unpredictable magic of hockey: sometimes the hero isn’t the Hall of Famer behind the bench, but the journeyman making the most of his moment.
Roy’s Legacy: From Montreal to Colorado and Beyond
Patrick Roy’s relationship with Colorado is complex and layered. As a player, he joined the Avalanche in 1995 after a storied career in Montreal, where he won two Stanley Cups and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy twice. In Denver, he quickly became the backbone of a championship team, leading the Avalanche to glory in 1996 and 2001. His fearless play, fiery demeanor, and clutch performances made him a fan favorite and cemented his status as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time (Sportskeeda).
Roy’s journey didn’t end when he hung up his skates. He returned to Colorado in 2013 as head coach, guiding the team for three seasons before parting ways. The transition from player to coach wasn’t always smooth, but it showcased Roy’s passion for the game and his willingness to embrace new challenges. Now, as the Islanders’ bench boss, he brings those lessons and experiences to a new generation—his second visit to Denver as a coach since taking over in 2023.
The standing ovation Roy received in Ball Arena wasn’t just a thank-you for past victories. It was recognition of a career spent chasing greatness, of a man who helped define an era for Avalanche hockey and who continues to influence the sport from behind the bench.
Islanders’ Road Trip and Roy’s Perspective
The Islanders came into Denver with momentum, having dispatched the Rangers, Devils, Golden Knights, and Utah Mammoth in a tough road stretch. Roy was quick to point out that, despite the loss, his team played their best hockey of the trip against the Avalanche. “It was a hard-fought game,” he said. “I thought we played really well, and their goaltender was the story.” With a 10-7-2 record and fourth place in the Metropolitan Division, the Islanders are showing signs of becoming a playoff contender under Roy’s leadership.
This blend of old-school intensity and modern strategy is a hallmark of Roy’s coaching style. His teams are known for their discipline and resilience—qualities that defined his playing days and now shape his approach behind the bench. The respect he commands is evident not only in Colorado, but across the NHL, as fans and players alike recognize his impact on the game.
Reflections: A Legacy Celebrated, A New Chapter Written
In the end, the night belonged to both past and present. The Avalanche’s win, powered by Wedgewood’s heroics and a balanced team effort, solidified their status as the NHL’s early frontrunner. Meanwhile, Patrick Roy’s return was a poignant reminder of how sports can bridge generations, connecting fans to memories that linger far beyond the final horn.
For Roy, the ovation and the highlight reel were more than just ceremonial. They were a celebration of a journey marked by championships and challenges, by moments of triumph and lessons learned. As he continues to guide the Islanders and influence the next wave of hockey talent, his legacy in Colorado remains secure—etched in the cheers of the Ball Arena crowd and the hearts of Avalanche fans.
Roy’s story is a testament to the enduring bonds between athlete and community. His return to Colorado wasn’t just an event—it was an affirmation of how legends are built, cherished, and remembered, even as new chapters unfold on the ice.
Image Credits to Getty Images